A few years ago, I photographed Grace’s sister’s wedding and was thrilled when Grace contacted me to photograph her wedding as well! I subsequently photographed their cousin’s wedding – I truly feel like I am part of their family now, which is such an honor! This family is so full of love, laughter and are all a little wacky (so I feel like I fit in just perfectly!) Grace and Matt had a cozy fall wedding that was so perfectly laid back and lovely. We had lots of silly fun with the hulk hands I brought along at Matt’s request and made the best of a bad situation with a stand in cardboard cut out of Grace’s sister and maid of honor Sara. Thanks so much for including me in your celebration!!
– Heather
Describe the vision/theme you had for your wedding in 5 words or less: A timeless romantic autumn day.
What are you favorite memories of your wedding day?
Bride: Getting to go to an abandoned mansion for pictures with just HRM and Matt after the ceremony. It was the perfect way to sort of calm down and regroup with my new husband. Also I remember looking out during the reception and seeing everyone I love in one room, it was wonderful.
Groom: Seeing Gracie for the first time walking down the aisle, managing to keep her from crying during our vows by winking, our ring-bearer tearing up the dance floor until midnight.
Best wedding related decision: The venue (Winderemere Manor) and our amazing photographer(s). The second Matt walked into the venue he said “Can we really get married here?!” and Heather managed to capture our vision for the day exactly while still making sure it reflected our personalities.
Favourite detail: Matt loved the card box, a vintage suitcase which had belonged to my grandparents. I think my favourite detail was cardboard Sara. My big sister got hit by a car two days before the wedding, and even though she’s fine now, she needed surgery and couldn’t fly in for the day. The night it happened, I called Matt bawling and he immediately jumped into action. Working with Heather (who went WAY above and beyond) they managed to get a life-sized cardboard Sara made within 24 hours and it became one of the most wonderful and hilarious parts of the day.
Advice for future brides & grooms: Don’t worry too much about whether everyone else is having a good time at the wedding, just make sure you have fun! It goes by so quickly.
Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?
Matt: Nope.
Grace: I would not have fixed my lipstick and then touched my very white dress 5 minutes before the wedding ceremony. Shout-out to our wedding planner Amy who was there with cleaning supplies within seconds and had me looking spotless in time to walk down the aisle.
Best surprise of the day:
Matt: Grace’s dress. For months leading up to the wedding she had dropped hints that it was short, or had puffy sleeves, or was multicoloured and then she comes down the aisle looking like the most traditional beautiful bride.
Grace: My Dad’s speech. He just did an amazing job mixing humour, history and love and it was something that I’ll never forget.
Anything else you’d like to add: You know that saying “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well it it takes a village to throw a wedding. Our day wouldn’t have been half as perfect were it not for all the help and unconditional love our friends, family, and vendors showed us. Thank you for everything!
VENDORS: Ceremony Location – Windermere Manor | Reception Location – Windermere Manor | Officiant – Lori Hawkrigg (All Seasons Wedding Ceremonies) | Cake – Our friend Caity made the amazing cake and Grace made the toppers | Dress – Garber’s Bridal | Wedding Planner – Amy McNall (Unmistakably You) | Flowers/Decorator – Grace and her Mom Jennifer | Hair/Makeup – AlyCat Make-Up & Hair Artistry | Caterer – Windermere Manor | DJ – Adam (Vanrock Sound)
WEDDING SONG: Seating of the Mothers – These Days by Nico | Processional – Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones | Recessional – Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye | First Dance – Can’t Help Falling in Love With You by Elvis | Parent Dances – Twist and Shout by The Beatles | Other – Marriage Registry Signing – Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones
